With playoff expansion, an increasing train of thought is that the other bowls are pretty useless. Often true, but yesterday’s Hawaii Bowl provided ample evidence to the contrary. Hawaii roared back from a 21-0 deficit to Cal, winning with a last-minute, 22 yard TD pass, triumphing 35-31.
This ending was gripping enough but the circumstances were even more extraordinary. Hawaii QB, Micah Alejado, took a hard hit as Hawaii was driving for a tying field goal or game winning TD. In comes backup QB, Luke Weaver, whose only pass happened to be the game winning 22-yard strike in the corner of the end zone.
Hawaii capped a turnaround year which was bookended by wins over the ACC’s two Bay Area squads, Stanford and Cal. In his fourth year, Timmy Chang has gradually increased the fortunes of the Rainbow Warriors as the stench of the Todd Graham era has gradually dissapated. Hardly any Group of 6 teams can claim 2 victories over the Power 4. Hawaii’s ascent is even more impressive given that the financial resources of the Rainbow Warriors are limited.
The Hawaii comeback spoiled the homecoming of star Cal freshman QB, Jaron-Keawe Sagopoutele. JKS threw for 353 yardss and has warmed Cal hearts by announcing his return to Strawberry Canyon in 2026.
If you told Timmy Chang today that non-playoff bowls do not matter,he might just shake his head and skoff.